Car show helps fight cancer

This is the 15th year that Cars for Cancer has quietly raised funds on the Labor Day weekend.

And the proceeds over the last 14 years – all of which go to the Johnson Family Center For Cancer Care, Mercy Health Partners – have been over $250,000.

The actual event takes place on Labor Day, this year Sept. 2. The night before there is a kickoff with live music, and the full event the next day includes vendors and chances to win door prizes and a grocery giveaway.

The Knights of Columbus hosts a pancake breakfast that runs until noon. But it is the Different Strokes Car Club, a group of volunteers, that has sponsored it all these years, though the Knights are partners. Chris Tomaras is lead organizer.

The event started out Starting out at St. Thomas Church on Apple Ave., but since 2008 has been held at the Mercy Health complex on Harvey Street.